CA2628649C - Apparatus and method for ensuring rotation of a container during inspection - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for ensuring rotation of a container during inspection Download PDFInfo
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- CA2628649C CA2628649C CA2628649A CA2628649A CA2628649C CA 2628649 C CA2628649 C CA 2628649C CA 2628649 A CA2628649 A CA 2628649A CA 2628649 A CA2628649 A CA 2628649A CA 2628649 C CA2628649 C CA 2628649C
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- container
- rotation
- image data
- inspection
- light
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
- B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
- B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
- B07C5/3404—Sorting according to other particular properties according to properties of containers or receptacles, e.g. rigidity, leaks, fill-level
- B07C5/3408—Sorting according to other particular properties according to properties of containers or receptacles, e.g. rigidity, leaks, fill-level for bottles, jars or other glassware
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
- G01N21/90—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination in a container or its contents
Abstract
Apparatus for inspecting a container includes an optical inspection device (10 or 40 or 50) having at least one light source (14 or 52) for directing light energy onto the container as the container is rotated around an axis, and at least one light sensor (24 or 58) for receiving light energy from the light source following interaction with the container. An information processor (26 or 48 or 60) is coupled to the sensor for detecting rotation of the container as a function of fluctuations in the output from the sensor. Rotation of the container will cause some fluctuation in the output of the sensor due to interaction of the light energy with the container. The absence of any detected fluctuations in the sensor output is interpreted as an indication that the container is not rotating, either due to malformation of the container, malfunction of the mechanism for rotating the container, or some other reason.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENSURING ROTATION
OF A CONTAINER DURING INSPECTION
The present disclosure relates to inspection of containers such as glass containers, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for ensuring that the container is being rotated during an inspection operation.
Background and Summary of the Disclosure In the manufacture of containers such as glass bottles and jars, various types of anomalies can occur in the sidewalls, heels, bottoms, shoulders, necks and/or finishes of the containers. These anomalies, termed "commercial variations" in the art, can affect the commercial acceptability of the containers. Commercial variations can include variations such as stones or cracks in the walls of the container, or can include dimensional variations in the containers that can affect further processability of the containers.
It has been proposed to employ various electrical, electro-optical and electro-mechanical techniques to inspect containers for commercial variations. Many of these inspection techniques require that the container be held in stationary position and rotated around an axis during the inspection operation. It is important when employing such inspection techniques that the container actually be rotating during the inspection process. A container that is so malformed as to be non-rotatable could be mistaken by automated inspection equipment for a container that is rotating but in which no commercial variations are detected. In the same way, a malfunction at the mechanism for rotating the container such that the container is not rotated during the inspection operation could be mistaken by automated inspection equipment for a container that is rotating but in which no commercial variations are detected. It also has been proposed to provide a reflector on a back-up roller engaged by the container and optics for monitoring the Printed: 26/03/2008 DESCPAMD
in which no commercial variations are detected. In the same way, a malfunction at the mechanism for rotating the container such that the container is not rotated during the inspection operation could be mistaken by automated inspection equipment for a container that is rotating but in which no commercial variations are detected. It also has been proposed to provide a reflector on a back-up roller engaged by the container and optics for monitoring the reflector.
If the container itself is rotating, the container will rotate the back-up roller. Rotation of the back-up roller and its reflector is sensed by the optics to confirm that the container is being rotated during inspection. This technique requires addition of components (the reflector and optics) to the inspection station, and can be difficult to implement in an otherwise crowded inspection apparatus.
US 4066363 discloses a container inspection system in which light energy is directed through the container sidewall onto plural detectors. The outputs of the detectors are fed to comparators for identifying commercial variations in the container sidewall, and to a detector status circuit that monitors the amplitudes of the detector outputs to confirm that the container is rotating during inspection. The detector status circuit monitors the detector outputs in real time and is responsive to amplitudes of the detector outputs. An absence of amplitude variations at the detector outputs is interpreted as absence of rotation at the container, and a corresponding lamp is illuminated.
The present disclosure embodies a number of aspects that can be implemented separately from or in combination with each other.
Apparatus for inspecting a container, in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, includes an optical inspection device having at least one light source for directing light energy onto the container as the container is rotated around an axis, and at least one light sensor for receiving light energy from the light source following interaction with the AMENDED SHEET
Printed: 26/03/2008 DESCPAIVID
container. An information processor is coupled to the sensor for detecting rotation of the container as a function of fluctuations in the output from the sensor_ In other words, ii is expected that rotation of the container will cause some fluctuation in the output of the sensor due to interaction of the light energy with the container. The absence of any detected fluctuations in the sonsor output is interpreted as an indication that the container is not rotating, tither due to malformation of the container, malfunction of the mechanism for rotating the container, or some other reason. A detected absence of rotation at the container preferably results in rejection of the container inasmuch as it cannot be confirmed that the container has been inspected.
In an apparatus for inspecting a container for conunereial variations while the container is rotated around an axis, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, AMENDED SHEET
detects rotation of the container as a function of fluctuations in the light energy received at the sensor. The information processor preferably gathers and stores image data from the sensor as a function of apparent rotation of the container, such as at increments of container rotation or at equal time increments while the container apparently is rotated at constant velocity. The information processor then analyzes the stored image data for fluctuations as a function of apparent container rotation. This preferably is accomplished employing a sliding data window to identify fluctuations in the stored image data. The length of the image data window, the length of the sliding data window for analyzing the image data, and the magnitude of the fluctuations needed to indicate rotation of the container preferably are adjustable. Other image data analysis techniques can be used to detect fluctuations in the image data that confirm that the container is rotating during inspection.
Brief Description of the Drawings The disclosure, together with additional objects, features, advantages and aspects thereof, will best be understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container inspection apparatus in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting a container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting a container in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and FIG. 4 is a graphic illustration of container inspection image analysis in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for inspecting a container 12 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus includes a light source 14 for directing a light beam 16 onto the outer surface of the sidewall of container 12 at an angle such that a portion 18 of the light energy is reflected from the outer surface of the container sidewall, and a portion 20 is refracted into the container sidewall, reflected from the inner sidewall surface and then re-emerges from the outer sidewall surface. A lens 22 is disposed between a light sensor 24 and the container sidewall for directing onto the sensor light energy reflected from the inner and outer sidewall surfaces. An information processor 26 is responsive to signals from light sensor 24. Information processor 26 preferably is connected to a suitable display 28 for displaying inspection data, and to a suitable mechanism for rejecting containers 12 for which commercial variations detected at information processor 26 are of undesirable magnitude. To the extent thus far described, apparatus 10 is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,291,271.
A container rotation mechanism 30 rotates container 12 around an axis of rotation as the container is illuminated by light source 14. Container rotation mechanism 30 may comprise a suitable device, such as a drive roller coupled to a suitable drive motor, for holding container 12 against back-up rollers or the like while rotating the container around an axis of rotation. Such axis of rotation preferably is coincident with the axis of the container. By way of example only, systems for bringing sequential containers 12 into position for inspection, rotating the containers in turn during an inspection operation, removing the containers following inspection and rejecting containers that do not pass inspection are illustrated in U.S. Patents 4,378,493 and 6,581,751. Information processor 26 preferably scans and stores image data from light sensor 24 at increments of (apparent) container rotation, which can be equal angular increments of container rotation as detected by a suitable encoder coupled to a drive roller or motor, or equal time increments while the container is rotated at constant angular velocity. A
combination of these techniques can be employed during acceleration and deceleration of (apparent) container rotation to increase container inspection speed.
FIG. 4 illustrates image data 18a, 20a at light sensor 24 scanned and stored at information processor 26 for reflected light beams 18, 20 (FIG. 1) over an image width 32.
Image width 32 preferably is in units of apparent container rotation, such as for example over a complete apparent revolution of the container. Image data 18a is indicative of the position of the outer surface of the container sidewall relative to light sensor 24, and image data 20a is indicative of the apparent position of the inside sidewall surface. (The relationship between image data 20a and the actual position of the inside container sidewall surface is discussed in above-noted U.S.
Patent 5,291,271.) The separation 34 between data lines 18a, 20a is indicative of container sidewall thickness. Data 18a and 34 are analyzed to determine outer surface contour and sidewall thickness.
To confirm that the container is actually rotating during inspection in this - exemplary embodiment, data 18a and 34 preferably are analyzed for fluctuations that result from container rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, this data analysis preferably is carried out using a sliding data window technique, for which three window positions 36a, 36b, 36n (in units of apparent container rotation) are indicated in FIG. 4. At each sliding window position, outside surface position data 18a and thickness data 34 are analyzed to identify fluctuations in the image data within the sliding window. It can be expected that, if the container is rotating during the inspection operation, there will be some fluctuation in image data caused by minor imperfections in the container geometry. Information processor 26 identifies these fluctuations to confirm that the container was actually rotating during the inspection operation. If the image data 18a,20a,34 are sucn mat mere are no Ductuations in the image data, information processor 26 determines that the container is not rotating during inspection, and preferably signals the container handling system to reject the container. A persistent container rotation failure may indicate malfunction of the container transport and/or rotation mechanism and call for repairs.
It will be noted in FIG. 4 that, although fluctuations in image data 18a and 34 (and image data 20a) are illustrated, these fluctuations may not be of sufficient magnitude to indicate an unacceptable commercial variation. Image data fluctuations that indicate an unacceptable commercial variation typically would be of greater magnitude (preferably adjustable) than image data fluctuations that indicate container rotation.
FIG. 2 illustrates a container inspection apparatus 40 that includes a light source/sensor assembly 42 positioned above the sealing surface 43 of container 12 to direct at least one beam 44 of light energy onto the container sealing surface and receive at least one reflected beam 46 from the sealing surface. There preferably are multiple light sources and sensors in assembly 42 in associated pairs to direct light energy onto and receive light energy reflected from angularly spaced positions around the sealing surface.
Information processor 48 scans assembly 42, preferably at fixed time or spatial increments of (apparent) container rotation as previously described, to receive signals indicative of the position or level of the sealing surface relative to assembly 42. To the extent thus far described, apparatus 40 is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,903,814.
Information processor 48 preferably also analyzes fluctuations in the image data from assembly 42, following interaction of the light energy with container 12, to confirm that the container is rotating during the inspection operation. This preferably is accomplished by analyzing reflected beam(s) 46 for fluctuations indicative of container rotation, such as by using a sliding window technique of the type discussed above.
FIG. 3 illustrates a third exemplary apparatus 50 in accordance with the present disclosure. A light source 52 directs light energy onto the sidewall of a container 12 under inspection, such as through a lens 54. Following interaction of the light energy with the container sidewall, such as by transmission through the sidewall or reflection from the sidewall, the light energy is directed onto a sensor 58, such as by a lens 56. An information processor 60 is responsive to the light energy at sensor 58, from light source 52 following interaction with container 12, both to detect commercial variations in container 12 and to confirm that the container is being rotated during the inspection operation. FIG. 3 is intended to be illustrative of numerous different types of container inspection techniques, of which the following disclosures are exemplary: U.S.
Patents 4,442,934, 4,579,227, 4,584,469, 4,608,709, 4,644,151, 4,701,612, 4,945,228, 4,958,223, 5,200,801, 5,214,713, 5,233,186, 5,243,400, 5,442,446, 5,466,927, 5,610,391, 5,637,864, 5,896,195, 5,969,810, 6,025,909, 6,067,155, 6,104,482, 6,175,107, 6,256,095 There thus have been disclosed a method and apparatus for inspecting containers, such as glass containers, which ensure that the container is being rotated during the inspection operation. The basic principle of the present disclosure is that containers are not perfect, so that analysis of the inspection data should reveal fluctuations that may be within acceptable limits for commercial variations, but confirm that the container is being rotated during the inspection=
operation. A particular advantage of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is that image data from performing other container inspection operations - e.g., container sidewall thickness and roundness in FIG. 1, container sealing surface inspection in FIG. 2 and container sidewall inspection in FIG. 3 - are employed for implementing the present disclosure by analyzing the data obtained during the inspection operation for fluctuations that confirm rotation of the container. As a less preferred alternative, a light source and sensor could be provided solely for confirming container rotation. The exemplary embodiments employ inspection data that are scanned into the information processor during (apparent) container rotation and then analyzed both for inspection purposes and to confirm container rotation.
However, the inspection data could be monitored in real time during scanning to confirm container rotation. The disclosure has been presented in conjunction with several exemplary embodiments, and other modifications and variations have been described. Additional modifications and variations readily will suggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing discussion. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
OF A CONTAINER DURING INSPECTION
The present disclosure relates to inspection of containers such as glass containers, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for ensuring that the container is being rotated during an inspection operation.
Background and Summary of the Disclosure In the manufacture of containers such as glass bottles and jars, various types of anomalies can occur in the sidewalls, heels, bottoms, shoulders, necks and/or finishes of the containers. These anomalies, termed "commercial variations" in the art, can affect the commercial acceptability of the containers. Commercial variations can include variations such as stones or cracks in the walls of the container, or can include dimensional variations in the containers that can affect further processability of the containers.
It has been proposed to employ various electrical, electro-optical and electro-mechanical techniques to inspect containers for commercial variations. Many of these inspection techniques require that the container be held in stationary position and rotated around an axis during the inspection operation. It is important when employing such inspection techniques that the container actually be rotating during the inspection process. A container that is so malformed as to be non-rotatable could be mistaken by automated inspection equipment for a container that is rotating but in which no commercial variations are detected. In the same way, a malfunction at the mechanism for rotating the container such that the container is not rotated during the inspection operation could be mistaken by automated inspection equipment for a container that is rotating but in which no commercial variations are detected. It also has been proposed to provide a reflector on a back-up roller engaged by the container and optics for monitoring the Printed: 26/03/2008 DESCPAMD
in which no commercial variations are detected. In the same way, a malfunction at the mechanism for rotating the container such that the container is not rotated during the inspection operation could be mistaken by automated inspection equipment for a container that is rotating but in which no commercial variations are detected. It also has been proposed to provide a reflector on a back-up roller engaged by the container and optics for monitoring the reflector.
If the container itself is rotating, the container will rotate the back-up roller. Rotation of the back-up roller and its reflector is sensed by the optics to confirm that the container is being rotated during inspection. This technique requires addition of components (the reflector and optics) to the inspection station, and can be difficult to implement in an otherwise crowded inspection apparatus.
US 4066363 discloses a container inspection system in which light energy is directed through the container sidewall onto plural detectors. The outputs of the detectors are fed to comparators for identifying commercial variations in the container sidewall, and to a detector status circuit that monitors the amplitudes of the detector outputs to confirm that the container is rotating during inspection. The detector status circuit monitors the detector outputs in real time and is responsive to amplitudes of the detector outputs. An absence of amplitude variations at the detector outputs is interpreted as absence of rotation at the container, and a corresponding lamp is illuminated.
The present disclosure embodies a number of aspects that can be implemented separately from or in combination with each other.
Apparatus for inspecting a container, in accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, includes an optical inspection device having at least one light source for directing light energy onto the container as the container is rotated around an axis, and at least one light sensor for receiving light energy from the light source following interaction with the AMENDED SHEET
Printed: 26/03/2008 DESCPAIVID
container. An information processor is coupled to the sensor for detecting rotation of the container as a function of fluctuations in the output from the sensor_ In other words, ii is expected that rotation of the container will cause some fluctuation in the output of the sensor due to interaction of the light energy with the container. The absence of any detected fluctuations in the sonsor output is interpreted as an indication that the container is not rotating, tither due to malformation of the container, malfunction of the mechanism for rotating the container, or some other reason. A detected absence of rotation at the container preferably results in rejection of the container inasmuch as it cannot be confirmed that the container has been inspected.
In an apparatus for inspecting a container for conunereial variations while the container is rotated around an axis, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, AMENDED SHEET
detects rotation of the container as a function of fluctuations in the light energy received at the sensor. The information processor preferably gathers and stores image data from the sensor as a function of apparent rotation of the container, such as at increments of container rotation or at equal time increments while the container apparently is rotated at constant velocity. The information processor then analyzes the stored image data for fluctuations as a function of apparent container rotation. This preferably is accomplished employing a sliding data window to identify fluctuations in the stored image data. The length of the image data window, the length of the sliding data window for analyzing the image data, and the magnitude of the fluctuations needed to indicate rotation of the container preferably are adjustable. Other image data analysis techniques can be used to detect fluctuations in the image data that confirm that the container is rotating during inspection.
Brief Description of the Drawings The disclosure, together with additional objects, features, advantages and aspects thereof, will best be understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a container inspection apparatus in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting a container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for inspecting a container in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and FIG. 4 is a graphic illustration of container inspection image analysis in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for inspecting a container 12 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The apparatus includes a light source 14 for directing a light beam 16 onto the outer surface of the sidewall of container 12 at an angle such that a portion 18 of the light energy is reflected from the outer surface of the container sidewall, and a portion 20 is refracted into the container sidewall, reflected from the inner sidewall surface and then re-emerges from the outer sidewall surface. A lens 22 is disposed between a light sensor 24 and the container sidewall for directing onto the sensor light energy reflected from the inner and outer sidewall surfaces. An information processor 26 is responsive to signals from light sensor 24. Information processor 26 preferably is connected to a suitable display 28 for displaying inspection data, and to a suitable mechanism for rejecting containers 12 for which commercial variations detected at information processor 26 are of undesirable magnitude. To the extent thus far described, apparatus 10 is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,291,271.
A container rotation mechanism 30 rotates container 12 around an axis of rotation as the container is illuminated by light source 14. Container rotation mechanism 30 may comprise a suitable device, such as a drive roller coupled to a suitable drive motor, for holding container 12 against back-up rollers or the like while rotating the container around an axis of rotation. Such axis of rotation preferably is coincident with the axis of the container. By way of example only, systems for bringing sequential containers 12 into position for inspection, rotating the containers in turn during an inspection operation, removing the containers following inspection and rejecting containers that do not pass inspection are illustrated in U.S. Patents 4,378,493 and 6,581,751. Information processor 26 preferably scans and stores image data from light sensor 24 at increments of (apparent) container rotation, which can be equal angular increments of container rotation as detected by a suitable encoder coupled to a drive roller or motor, or equal time increments while the container is rotated at constant angular velocity. A
combination of these techniques can be employed during acceleration and deceleration of (apparent) container rotation to increase container inspection speed.
FIG. 4 illustrates image data 18a, 20a at light sensor 24 scanned and stored at information processor 26 for reflected light beams 18, 20 (FIG. 1) over an image width 32.
Image width 32 preferably is in units of apparent container rotation, such as for example over a complete apparent revolution of the container. Image data 18a is indicative of the position of the outer surface of the container sidewall relative to light sensor 24, and image data 20a is indicative of the apparent position of the inside sidewall surface. (The relationship between image data 20a and the actual position of the inside container sidewall surface is discussed in above-noted U.S.
Patent 5,291,271.) The separation 34 between data lines 18a, 20a is indicative of container sidewall thickness. Data 18a and 34 are analyzed to determine outer surface contour and sidewall thickness.
To confirm that the container is actually rotating during inspection in this - exemplary embodiment, data 18a and 34 preferably are analyzed for fluctuations that result from container rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, this data analysis preferably is carried out using a sliding data window technique, for which three window positions 36a, 36b, 36n (in units of apparent container rotation) are indicated in FIG. 4. At each sliding window position, outside surface position data 18a and thickness data 34 are analyzed to identify fluctuations in the image data within the sliding window. It can be expected that, if the container is rotating during the inspection operation, there will be some fluctuation in image data caused by minor imperfections in the container geometry. Information processor 26 identifies these fluctuations to confirm that the container was actually rotating during the inspection operation. If the image data 18a,20a,34 are sucn mat mere are no Ductuations in the image data, information processor 26 determines that the container is not rotating during inspection, and preferably signals the container handling system to reject the container. A persistent container rotation failure may indicate malfunction of the container transport and/or rotation mechanism and call for repairs.
It will be noted in FIG. 4 that, although fluctuations in image data 18a and 34 (and image data 20a) are illustrated, these fluctuations may not be of sufficient magnitude to indicate an unacceptable commercial variation. Image data fluctuations that indicate an unacceptable commercial variation typically would be of greater magnitude (preferably adjustable) than image data fluctuations that indicate container rotation.
FIG. 2 illustrates a container inspection apparatus 40 that includes a light source/sensor assembly 42 positioned above the sealing surface 43 of container 12 to direct at least one beam 44 of light energy onto the container sealing surface and receive at least one reflected beam 46 from the sealing surface. There preferably are multiple light sources and sensors in assembly 42 in associated pairs to direct light energy onto and receive light energy reflected from angularly spaced positions around the sealing surface.
Information processor 48 scans assembly 42, preferably at fixed time or spatial increments of (apparent) container rotation as previously described, to receive signals indicative of the position or level of the sealing surface relative to assembly 42. To the extent thus far described, apparatus 40 is similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,903,814.
Information processor 48 preferably also analyzes fluctuations in the image data from assembly 42, following interaction of the light energy with container 12, to confirm that the container is rotating during the inspection operation. This preferably is accomplished by analyzing reflected beam(s) 46 for fluctuations indicative of container rotation, such as by using a sliding window technique of the type discussed above.
FIG. 3 illustrates a third exemplary apparatus 50 in accordance with the present disclosure. A light source 52 directs light energy onto the sidewall of a container 12 under inspection, such as through a lens 54. Following interaction of the light energy with the container sidewall, such as by transmission through the sidewall or reflection from the sidewall, the light energy is directed onto a sensor 58, such as by a lens 56. An information processor 60 is responsive to the light energy at sensor 58, from light source 52 following interaction with container 12, both to detect commercial variations in container 12 and to confirm that the container is being rotated during the inspection operation. FIG. 3 is intended to be illustrative of numerous different types of container inspection techniques, of which the following disclosures are exemplary: U.S.
Patents 4,442,934, 4,579,227, 4,584,469, 4,608,709, 4,644,151, 4,701,612, 4,945,228, 4,958,223, 5,200,801, 5,214,713, 5,233,186, 5,243,400, 5,442,446, 5,466,927, 5,610,391, 5,637,864, 5,896,195, 5,969,810, 6,025,909, 6,067,155, 6,104,482, 6,175,107, 6,256,095 There thus have been disclosed a method and apparatus for inspecting containers, such as glass containers, which ensure that the container is being rotated during the inspection operation. The basic principle of the present disclosure is that containers are not perfect, so that analysis of the inspection data should reveal fluctuations that may be within acceptable limits for commercial variations, but confirm that the container is being rotated during the inspection=
operation. A particular advantage of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is that image data from performing other container inspection operations - e.g., container sidewall thickness and roundness in FIG. 1, container sealing surface inspection in FIG. 2 and container sidewall inspection in FIG. 3 - are employed for implementing the present disclosure by analyzing the data obtained during the inspection operation for fluctuations that confirm rotation of the container. As a less preferred alternative, a light source and sensor could be provided solely for confirming container rotation. The exemplary embodiments employ inspection data that are scanned into the information processor during (apparent) container rotation and then analyzed both for inspection purposes and to confirm container rotation.
However, the inspection data could be monitored in real time during scanning to confirm container rotation. The disclosure has been presented in conjunction with several exemplary embodiments, and other modifications and variations have been described. Additional modifications and variations readily will suggest themselves to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing discussion. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims
Claims:
1.
An apparatus for inspecting containers for commercial variations, comprising:
means for rotating a container being inspected; at least one light source for directing light onto the container;
at least one light sensor for receiving light from said source following interaction with the container and for producing image data; and an information processor coupled to the output of the sensor so as to scan and store the image data of the container under inspection and to process the data over an image width corresponding to at least a complete apparent rotation of the container, characterized in that the information processor includes means for ensuring that the container is actually rotating during inspection by detecting fluctuations in the sensor output and is arranged to employ a sliding data window having a length in units of apparent container rotation less than the image width.
2.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the length of the sliding data window in units of apparent container rotation and a magnitude of fluctuations in the image data are adjustable at the information processor.
3.
The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the output signal of said at least one sensor is indicative of roundness and thickness of a sidewall of the container under inspection, the information processor being responsive to both of said signals to detect the absence of rotation at the container.
4.
The apparatus of any of claims 1-3 also including a reject mechanism for rejecting containers having unacceptable commercial variations, wherein the information processor is coupled to the reject mechanism for rejecting containers for which the absence of rotation is detected.
5.
A method of detecting rotation of a container during optical inspection for commercial variations, in which light is analyzed after interaction with the container to identify fluctuations in the light indicative of actual rotation of the container during inspection, said method including the steps of:
(a) scanning and storing image data from a light sensor receiving the light from the container and at intervals as a function of apparent rotation of the container, (b) following completion of said step (a) for an image width corresponding to at least a complete apparent rotation of the container, analyzing the image data scanned and stored in said step (a) employing a sliding data window having a length in units of apparent container rotation less than said image width, and (c) identifying fluctuations in said image data during said step (b) indicative of actual rotation of the container.
6.
The method set forth in claim 5 wherein image data scanned and stored in said step (a) is indicative of position of a surface of the container.
1.
An apparatus for inspecting containers for commercial variations, comprising:
means for rotating a container being inspected; at least one light source for directing light onto the container;
at least one light sensor for receiving light from said source following interaction with the container and for producing image data; and an information processor coupled to the output of the sensor so as to scan and store the image data of the container under inspection and to process the data over an image width corresponding to at least a complete apparent rotation of the container, characterized in that the information processor includes means for ensuring that the container is actually rotating during inspection by detecting fluctuations in the sensor output and is arranged to employ a sliding data window having a length in units of apparent container rotation less than the image width.
2.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the length of the sliding data window in units of apparent container rotation and a magnitude of fluctuations in the image data are adjustable at the information processor.
3.
The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein the output signal of said at least one sensor is indicative of roundness and thickness of a sidewall of the container under inspection, the information processor being responsive to both of said signals to detect the absence of rotation at the container.
4.
The apparatus of any of claims 1-3 also including a reject mechanism for rejecting containers having unacceptable commercial variations, wherein the information processor is coupled to the reject mechanism for rejecting containers for which the absence of rotation is detected.
5.
A method of detecting rotation of a container during optical inspection for commercial variations, in which light is analyzed after interaction with the container to identify fluctuations in the light indicative of actual rotation of the container during inspection, said method including the steps of:
(a) scanning and storing image data from a light sensor receiving the light from the container and at intervals as a function of apparent rotation of the container, (b) following completion of said step (a) for an image width corresponding to at least a complete apparent rotation of the container, analyzing the image data scanned and stored in said step (a) employing a sliding data window having a length in units of apparent container rotation less than said image width, and (c) identifying fluctuations in said image data during said step (b) indicative of actual rotation of the container.
6.
The method set forth in claim 5 wherein image data scanned and stored in said step (a) is indicative of position of a surface of the container.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/287,331 | 2005-11-23 | ||
| US11/287,331 US20070115467A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2005-11-23 | Apparatus and method for ensuring rotation of a container during inspection |
| PCT/US2006/044698 WO2007061855A1 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-11-17 | Apparatus and method for ensuring rotation of a container during inspection |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2628649A1 CA2628649A1 (en) | 2007-05-31 |
| CA2628649C true CA2628649C (en) | 2015-03-17 |
Family
ID=37821149
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2628649A Active CA2628649C (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-11-17 | Apparatus and method for ensuring rotation of a container during inspection |
Country Status (31)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20070115467A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1955055B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP5702050B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR101509260B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101313212B (en) |
| AR (1) | AR057592A1 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE438847T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2006318748B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0618869B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2628649C (en) |
| CR (1) | CR10081A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE602006008343D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK1955055T3 (en) |
| DO (1) | DOP2006000259A (en) |
| EC (1) | ECSP088575A (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2331027T3 (en) |
| GT (1) | GT200800069A (en) |
| HR (1) | HRP20090515T1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL191583A0 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2008006409A (en) |
| MY (1) | MY141678A (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ567840A (en) |
| PE (1) | PE20070882A1 (en) |
| PL (1) | PL1955055T3 (en) |
| PT (1) | PT1955055E (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2420729C2 (en) |
| SI (1) | SI1955055T1 (en) |
| TW (1) | TWI413754B (en) |
| UA (1) | UA92926C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007061855A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA200804085B (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8548771B2 (en) | 2008-05-13 | 2013-10-01 | Emhart Glass S.A. | Out-of-round container detection system and method |
| DE102012104008B3 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2013-11-07 | Jenoptik Industrial Metrology Germany Gmbh | Apparatus and method for measuring shape, position and dimension features on machine elements |
| JP6194561B2 (en) * | 2013-07-17 | 2017-09-13 | キリンテクノシステム株式会社 | Rotation amount detection device for rotation drive mechanism |
| CN104007070B (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2015-04-15 | 中国石油大学(华东) | Automatic observing device for detecting mineral samples |
| DE102017111066A1 (en) * | 2017-05-22 | 2018-11-22 | Khs Gmbh | Method for monitoring a process |
| CN112203756A (en) * | 2018-06-07 | 2021-01-08 | 威尔科股份公司 | Method and device for monitoring a drive mechanism of an automated inspection system for causing movement of a container partially filled with liquid |
| IT202000006751A1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-10-01 | Makro Labelling Srl | Machine for inspecting containers |
| CN111889394B (en) * | 2020-07-22 | 2021-06-04 | 迈克医疗电子有限公司 | Reaction vessel detection device |
Family Cites Families (28)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2753459A (en) * | 1956-07-03 | Inspecting interior surfaces of glass | ||
| US3048269A (en) * | 1960-12-23 | 1962-08-07 | Owens Illinois Glass Co | Inhibiting false signals in electronic gauging |
| SE385988B (en) * | 1973-06-21 | 1976-07-26 | Platmanufaktur Ab | IDENTIFICATION DEVICE FOR FORM NUMBER READING ON MACHINE-FORMED PRODUCTS EXV. PLASTIC OR GLASS PRODUCTS |
| CA1042530A (en) * | 1974-05-06 | 1978-11-14 | Ross L. Hobler | Method and apparatus for identifying a bottle |
| US3880750A (en) * | 1974-06-06 | 1975-04-29 | Owens Illinois Inc | Sealing surface gauge |
| US4066363A (en) * | 1976-09-08 | 1978-01-03 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Apparatus and method for inspecting glass containers |
| US4213702A (en) * | 1978-10-02 | 1980-07-22 | Powers Manufacturing, Inc | Glass inspection method and apparatus |
| US4249075A (en) * | 1978-11-20 | 1981-02-03 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Detection of birdswing defects in glass containers |
| US4378493A (en) * | 1980-11-03 | 1983-03-29 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Glass container sidewall defect detection system with a diffused and controlled light source |
| US4644151A (en) * | 1985-04-05 | 1987-02-17 | Owens-Illinois, Inc. | Identification of a molded container with its mold of origin |
| US5028769A (en) * | 1986-08-20 | 1991-07-02 | Emhart Industries, Inc. | Device for reading a mold code on a glass bottle |
| US4945228A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1990-07-31 | Owens-Illinois Glass Container Inc. | Inspection of container finish |
| US5073708A (en) * | 1989-09-11 | 1991-12-17 | Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Apparatus for inspecting the presence of foreign matters |
| US5200801A (en) * | 1990-05-14 | 1993-04-06 | Owens-Illinois Glass Container Inc. | Inspection of container finish |
| JP2594183Y2 (en) * | 1992-02-25 | 1999-04-19 | 松下電工株式会社 | Rotation detection device |
| US5291271A (en) * | 1992-08-19 | 1994-03-01 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Measurement of transparent container wall thickness |
| US5305081A (en) * | 1992-08-27 | 1994-04-19 | Constar Plastics Inc. | Bottle stress analysis system |
| US5489987A (en) * | 1994-04-07 | 1996-02-06 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Container sealing surface inspection |
| JPH08304305A (en) * | 1995-05-15 | 1996-11-22 | Nippon Glass Kk | Method for inspecting foreign matter defect of heel part of bottle |
| EP0979153A4 (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 2002-10-30 | Inex Inc Doing Business As Ine | System and method for stress detection in a molded container |
| US5896195A (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 1999-04-20 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Container sealing surface area inspection |
| US6175107B1 (en) * | 1998-05-27 | 2001-01-16 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Inspection of containers employing a single area array sensor and alternately strobed light sources |
| US6581751B1 (en) * | 2000-10-04 | 2003-06-24 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Method and apparatus for inspecting articles of glassware |
| JP4743816B2 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2011-08-10 | キリンテクノシステム株式会社 | Container inspection device |
| JP3785342B2 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2006-06-14 | 日立エンジニアリング株式会社 | Object inspection apparatus and foreign object inspection apparatus in liquid filled in transparent container |
| US6782752B2 (en) * | 2001-10-02 | 2004-08-31 | 1 M International Corporation | Real-time system for detecting foreign bodies in food containers using ultrasound |
| NL1022810C2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2004-08-31 | Heineken Tech Services | Method and system for inspecting packaging. |
| US6903814B1 (en) * | 2003-03-05 | 2005-06-07 | Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc. | Container sealing surface inspection |
-
2005
- 2005-11-23 US US11/287,331 patent/US20070115467A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-11-15 AR ARP060105007A patent/AR057592A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2006-11-16 TW TW095142362A patent/TWI413754B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-11-17 JP JP2008542367A patent/JP5702050B2/en active Active
- 2006-11-17 DK DK06837922T patent/DK1955055T3/en active
- 2006-11-17 BR BRPI0618869-9A patent/BRPI0618869B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2006-11-17 UA UAA200808332A patent/UA92926C2/en unknown
- 2006-11-17 NZ NZ567840A patent/NZ567840A/en unknown
- 2006-11-17 RU RU2008125090/28A patent/RU2420729C2/en active
- 2006-11-17 AT AT06837922T patent/ATE438847T1/en active
- 2006-11-17 EP EP06837922A patent/EP1955055B1/en active Active
- 2006-11-17 DE DE602006008343T patent/DE602006008343D1/en active Active
- 2006-11-17 ZA ZA200804085A patent/ZA200804085B/en unknown
- 2006-11-17 SI SI200630463T patent/SI1955055T1/en unknown
- 2006-11-17 PL PL06837922T patent/PL1955055T3/en unknown
- 2006-11-17 MX MX2008006409A patent/MX2008006409A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2006-11-17 PT PT06837922T patent/PT1955055E/en unknown
- 2006-11-17 ES ES06837922T patent/ES2331027T3/en active Active
- 2006-11-17 CN CN2006800437159A patent/CN101313212B/en active Active
- 2006-11-17 MY MYPI20081572A patent/MY141678A/en unknown
- 2006-11-17 WO PCT/US2006/044698 patent/WO2007061855A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-11-17 KR KR1020087015258A patent/KR101509260B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2006-11-17 AU AU2006318748A patent/AU2006318748B2/en active Active
- 2006-11-17 CA CA2628649A patent/CA2628649C/en active Active
- 2006-11-21 PE PE2006001483A patent/PE20070882A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2006-11-22 DO DO2006000259A patent/DOP2006000259A/en unknown
-
2008
- 2008-05-20 IL IL191583A patent/IL191583A0/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-05-22 GT GT200800069A patent/GT200800069A/en unknown
- 2008-06-18 CR CR10081A patent/CR10081A/en unknown
- 2008-06-23 EC EC2008008575A patent/ECSP088575A/en unknown
-
2009
- 2009-09-25 HR HR20090515T patent/HRP20090515T1/en unknown
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request |